I came to see rakugo, and was not disappointed! I barely speak any Japanese, but I was very curious about this particularly Japanese style of comedy. The proprietor at Rakugo cafe was very patient with explaining to me when the show would start and where to line up. The event I saw featured just one performer, who I felt did an amazing job in such a small, quiet space. He was so emotive and confident, and I was able to enjoy the show greatly despite my limited understanding of the wordplay. The playful way he switched between characters, sometimes several at a time, while keeping things clear was so impressive and funny. I especially liked his oiran character, the kid who needed to take medicine, and the (I think) procession of five or six little kids saying "good morning". So, if this is typical of the performances at Rakugo cafe, I highly recommend.

A cozy venue where you can enjoy great rakugo and be at a close distance with the performers. The atmosphere is homely and comfortable.

A cafe on the 5th floor of a building where you can enjoy rakugo and kodan. I dropped in for an evening kodan performance without a reservation, and it was full, so I sat in the front row. Looking up at the performer from so close was incredibly powerful. Instructions say to access the elevator from the back. The stairs are more efficient when leaving.

Opened in 2008 by writer Nobuhiro Aoki with the idea of creating a performance venue where rakugo fans could casually socialize. A 5-minute walk from Jimbocho Station. It operates quietly inside an office building. Sales of rakugo-related merchandise are not particularly active, but the place itself is very stylish and clean. A wood-grain interior and a cafe-themed logo. Rock music, including The Beatles, plays inside. The stage is close and powerful, and since it is a cafe, you can order the usual range of drinks. The entrance is a little hard to find: you enter through the building's back door and take the stairs or elevator up. However, because Bondy, one of Jimbocho's most renowned curry restaurants, is in the same building, its queue can sometimes block your way. I recommend arriving a little early on your first visit.

+3

A place to visit when rakugo is being performed. On weekday afternoons, it is a deserted cafe. Probably a good environment for reading the rakugo-related books available for on-site reading only. Basically, do not expect anything from the drinks. Just think of it as paying for the space.

+2